he is expected to offer his views on the big deep budget cuts facing the pentagon. they're unable to avoid sequestration. on iran, the senator told congress in written remarks he would be prepared to strike that country if necessary but stressed the need to be cautious and certain when considering the use of force. bipartisan joe biden yesterday defended hagel and john kerry from critics who say they're concerned the president's new national security team would be hesitant to act. >> to suggest that two war heroes wearing the bronze star, purple heart, silver star taking over both the -- excuse me, state department and defense is a -- whatever the phrase was, is ridiculous. >> to be sure to join us on msnbc. we'll have live coverage of hagel's confirmation hearing following "morning joe." he can only hope his hearing goes as smoothly as john kerry's who nomination as the next secretary of state sailed through the senate. the long time lawmaker strugled to hold back emotions as he said farewell to the chamber where he served for the last 27 years. >> standing here at